2.1 speaker set for computer/music/movies?

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › 2.1 speaker set for computer/music/movies?

RickD

280 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 8

#31235 9-Mar-2009 21:57

Hello,

I'm looking for a set of 2.1 speakers to use with my computer for music, movies etc. Has to be self powered as I don't have the space/needs for a receiver. I use my computer for music and movies (flatting..) so need speakers that are good for both.

I've done a bit of Googling and I can only really find a couple sets that are available in NZ;

ProMedia GMX A-2.1
http://www.klipsch.com/products/deta...gmx-a-2-1.aspx
These have good reviews, price is good (around $350 NZ last time I saw them but I'm having trouble finding a retailer that stocks them now). I don't really like the look of them but guess that's not too important.

Bose Companion 3 Series II
http://www.bose.co.nz/site/index.asp...fid=9&pgid=106
I had a listen to these at DSE and thought they sounded pretty good for their size. Nice and compact. $500.

There's also the Logitech Z-2300 but I didn't like the sound of them when I had a listen to them at a mate's place.

Does anyone have any comments on either of them? Or suggestions of other speakers?

If there was an NZ distributor for Swans I would probably grab the Swans M10 straight away. Lot's of good reviews and reckon they look quite cool.

http://www.swanspeaker.com/product/htm/view.asp?id=373

Cheers

grant_k

3539 posts

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#200309 10-Mar-2009 10:27

I have recently bought a set of Altec Lansing MX-5021 speakers via Trade Me for $101. These originally retailed for $200+ I believe and they are of excellent quality. The sub is a really good size with solid wooden cabinet and deep/tight bass, not the usual resonant one-note bass that you get from many computer sub-woofers with plastic enclosures.

We were quite happily using this system as our main stereo speakers for a few days and also to watch DVDs etc.

Definitely by far the best set of Multimedia speakers I have ever heard. An infra-red remote is also included, unlike most computer speakers which only have the wired "remote".

Wiseacre

44 posts

Geek

#200514 11-Mar-2009 06:56

Agreed! I have the Altec Lansing MX-5021 speakers as well - very nice speaker set!

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Satch

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#200582 11-Mar-2009 12:23

Check these out! >http://www.acoustic-energy.co.uk/Product_range/Aego_series/Aego_M.asp< The Acoustic Energy Aego M speakers. I've not heard them myself but they are meant to be the best in terms of 2.1 computer speakers.

I tried to get these before I bought my Logitech Z-2300's (which I'm well impressed with by the way), but could not find anyone in NZ who stocked them. That has all changed since, and Storm Distribution now import them.

Shore HiFi were stocking them at $499. I suggest checking them out, especially if your budget extended to the Bose. I believe they will offer much more bang for your buck.

I'd be keen to know how you get on.

grant_k

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#200631 11-Mar-2009 15:30

Satch:Check these out! >http://www.acoustic-energy.co.uk/Product_range/Aego_series/Aego_M.asp< The Acoustic Energy Aego M speakers. I've not heard them myself but they are meant to be the best in terms of 2.1 computer speakers.

Hmmm ... Satellites are a bit puny for my liking:

Satellites - 68mm x 103mm x 90mm

This is a similar size to the Cambridge Soundworks set I used to have and it resulted in a lack of guts to lower-pitched vocalists as well as instruments such as the cello. Basically, there was a hole in the response between lower mid-range and bass when used in your typical speaker placement where the sub was under your desk.

The Altec Lansing MX5021 has satellites which are 250mm x 140mm x 60mm with 3 separate drivers in each vs. just 1 driver in the Acoustic Energy system.

Note also that the Aego M does not have a remote, nor does it have proper Bass and Treble controls as found on the MX5021.

Best idea would be to audition both systems before you buy.

Satch

1985 posts

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#200635 11-Mar-2009 15:40

grant_k:Hmmm ... Satellites are a bit puny for my liking

As opposed to the Bose? That seems to be his benchmark.

These speakers have got some very good reviews so I would not discount them. They would have been my number one choice had they been available at the time I was shopping around.

But you gave some very good advice.

Best idea would be to audition both systems before you buy.

RickD

280 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 8

#200693 11-Mar-2009 20:12

Thanks for the suggestions.

I had decided to go with the Klipsch but found out today they have recently become unavailable!

The Acoustic Energy Aego M speakers look interesting, lot's of positive reviews. Hopefully they haven't got too much more expensive with the dollar.

I'll do a bit more reading about the Altec Lansing MX5021 as well.

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paradoxsm

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#200753 11-Mar-2009 23:40

a friend had the klipsh's and they sounded superb.
They have been out for quite some time so no surprise at them becoming unavailable. Maybe see if they are available secondhand or "open box"

I have mixed feelings about Bose, they have had their good products and also had some utter shockers.

Also do not rule out 2.0 speaker systems, DSE had some in demo that sounded very nice indeed and blew almost all the other 2.1 demo systems there for rich deep flat bass.

Ensure you listen to speakers before purchase, you may have to pay a little more but I have bought speakers unlistened before (cheap logitechs) and hated the sound. I particuarly hate mid-bass and the missing 150Hz-500Hz band that many cheap ones have. The logitechs also had a very tinny sounding treble but they were absurdly cheap.

johna11

18 posts

Geek

#200792 12-Mar-2009 11:47

I got the Logitech Z4 after searching for reviews all over. I am very happy with this system and i think it's quite reasonably priced.

fisher191

59 posts

Master Geek

#200800 12-Mar-2009 12:10

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/speakers_audio/home_pc_speakers/devices/3712&cl=nz,en

http://pconlineshop.co.nz/pcshop/product_info.php?cPath=7_69&products_id=43279&RBTid=3b02903c1277e9b07075974926b81978

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RickD

280 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 8

#201213 14-Mar-2009 16:14

Ordered a set today. Decided to just go with mid range speakers for $250, rather than the higher end Bose or Aego M speakers (found out the RRP is now $600).
I'll post a quick note with how they sound when I've got them.

Jaxson

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#201403 16-Mar-2009 13:30

Ok so a bit out of left field, but there's also this:
http://www.1-day.co.nz/products/JDPBCS951#

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Jaxson

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#201554 17-Mar-2009 09:01

ha, or http://www.offtheback.co.nz/public/deals?product=708